Combat Wounded Veteran Surprised With Mortgage-Free Home on The Today Show With Darius

Darius, Dr Pepper Snapple Group’s Project Rebuild, Walmart, Wells Fargo and the Military Warriors Support Foundation honored one of our nation’s combat wounded heroes on Wednesday, May 13, 2015. Specialist Daniel Branham joined Darius Rucker on the TODAY Show with hosts Kathy Lee and Hoda. Specialist Branham believed he was there to be recognized for his service and received tickets to one of Darius’ upcoming concerts. Darius and Ret. Lt. General Leroy Sisco from the Military Warriors Support Foundation ultimately SURPRISED Daniel with a ceremonial key to his new home donated by Wells Fargo, located in Darius’ hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. Click HERE to see a video of the surprise!

This surprise announcement kicked off a total of 11 mortgage-free homes that will be presented to veterans during the Southern Style Tour by Dr. Pepper Snapple Group’s Project Rebuild, Walmart, Military Warriors Support Foundation and Wells Fargo, which is donating all of the properties.

Specialist Branham was born in Charleston, South Carolina and grew up in the Carolinas. He joined the Army in 2005 and went through basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. After being stationed for six months at Fort Lewis, Washington and one year in Vilseck, Germany, he was deployed to Iraq where he served for fifteen months. It was in Iraq that Specialist Branham sustained combat-related injuries from IED’s that resulted in TBI, PTSD and respiratory problems.

During his time in the Army, Specialist Branham was awarded many medals for his bravery and service to this country including the Army Commendation Medal w/Valor for exceptional meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as a driver of Iron 1-3 Stryker during Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09. Specialist Branham dutifully drove his Stryker while disabled and under extreme duress to rescue nine of his fellow soldiers and a Local National during a Chlorine Gas attach. Specialist Branham solely delivered his fellow soldiers from immediate danger and further injury. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect distinct credit upon himself, Iron Company, 3rd Squadron (Wolfpack), 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (Dragoons) and the United States Army.

Specialist Branham currently lives in West End, North Carolina and owns his own resume writing company. He is looking forward to someday being a boat captain out of Charleston.

“Specialist Branham is a true American hero who has given so much to our country, and we thank him for his service. We are honored to partner with the Military Warriors Support Foundation to help him and other wounded veterans make a successful transition to civilian life,” said Rodger Collins, president of Packaged Beverages for Dr Pepper Snapple Group. “Supporting our veterans is something everyone can get behind. We’re proud to work with Walmart, giving their shoppers the opportunity to support Project Rebuild.”

“It is an honor for Wells Fargo to serve members of the military and we take seriously our commitment to help veterans and service members reach their financial goals, “said Tyler Smith, Vice President, REO, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. “The home donation program is one of the many ways that we do that. Since 2012 we have donated more than 230 properties that have been awarded to veterans and servicemembers to help them achieve the dream of homeownership.”

Specialist Branham has traveled the world and experienced physical and mental hardships, but his determination to fight for this nation is what makes him a “True Hero.” To honor him for his incredible sacrifices and patriotism, Project Rebuild partnered with Darius Rucker and the TODAY Show to create this special day he will never forget.